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enConte urges patience from Italy fansAntonio Conte has urged Italy fans to maintain their support for the national team ahead of Tuesdays friendly with England.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-urges-patience-italy-fans
Conte is said to haverecently received death threats from Juventus fans following the season-ending knee injury suffered by Claudio Marchisio in training forSaturday's 2-2 Euro 2016qualifying draw with Bulgaria.
Italy host England at the home of the Turin club - who Conte left last July - with Eder, Roberto Soriano and Mirko Valdifiori all set to maketheir first starts for the senior team.
And, despite a stalemate at the weekend that left them two points behind Croatia in their qualifying group, Conte said:"The fans need to support Italy, so I think I have an excellent relationship with them. They know we're working hard.
"It's such a strange period for the Italian football system that we have to have the humility to realise where we are and how hard we have to work.
"We shouldn't be surprised that teams like Croatia are ahead of us. They've shown at this moment on the pitch that they're ahead of us.
"We have to be patient. I've been saying that for a while. We have to open our eyes, and grasp the reality of the situation.
"There's been a big turnover in terms of players and experience at every level and whenever there's a big turnover between generations you need patience.
"You need to allow the players to grow without being critical at every opportunity. We have to all be aware that there's a turnover in generations.
"A number of players are taking their first tentative steps into international football.
"Please don't slate them at the first opportunity as this is not good for the players, it's not good for my job and it's not good for Italian football."
Italy team to face England:
GianluigiBuffon;AndreaRanocchia;LeonardoBonucci, GiorgioChiellini, AlessandroFlorenzi, MatteoDarmian;MarcoParolo, MirkoValdifiori, RobertoSoriano; GrazianoPelle, Eder.
news_articleMon, 30 Mar 2015 19:00:16 +0000368603 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHow post-Prandelli Italy have moved on after their own disastrous World CupThe FA lent their support to Roy Hodgson despite Englands dismal showing, while Cesare Prandelli walked before he was pushed from the Italy job. Nine-and-a-half months on,Greg Leaevaluates a new-look Azzurri...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-post-prandelli-italy-have-moved-after-their-own-disastrous-world-cup
It wasn't supposed to end the way it did. Heading into the 2014 World Cup, hopes were high in Italy that the national side could continue the steady progress they'd made under the guidance of Cesare Prandelli over the previous four years since suffering in South Africa.
Having astonishingly finished bottom of a weak group containing Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay in 2010 with Marcello Lippi at the helm, Prandelli had led the Azzurri to the final of Euro 2012 and semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. A new style of play had been inducted, with Italy taking the initiative and looking to dominate the ball in a way that was antithetical to the traditional stereotype of defensive reactivity.
Last summer’s competition in Brazil was seen as Prandelli’s chance to unleash this new-look Italy on the world stage. Then Diego Godin struck in the 81st minute.
In truth, the Uruguay captain may have landed the decisive blow but Italy were already on the ropes. A towering header from the Atletico Madrid centre-back was enough to seal a 1-0 victory that saw the South Americans progress at Prandelli’s side’s expense, but a feeble defeat to Costa Rica in the previous game had already shed light on a number of Italian weaknesses.
Indeed, while there were clearly unfortunate moments – not least Luis Suarez’s unpunished bite on Giorgio Chiellini – it was difficult to argue that Italy deserved anything more. Even Prandelli himself didn't attempt to disguise his side’s failings, telling reporters after elimination was confirmed that “when a professional project fails, it is right to take responsibility”.
He did just that, tendering his resignation at his post-match press conference. Despite the undeniable progress made since 2010, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
Italy, perhaps more so than any other nation, invariably places the result above all else, and the only question was whether Prandelli would jump or wait to be pushed.
Conte's way
Nine months on, it's Antonio Conte who will be in the home dugout when England travel to Turin on Tuesday night. Italy have only played seven games since that defeat to Uruguay in Natal, but this is already a markedly different team.
Indeed, the change wasn't simply the man in the dugout, but an entire philosophy. Both Prandelli and Conte have enjoyed great success in their careers – although the latter’s three scudetti with Juventus surely trump the former’s work at Roma and Fiorentina – but they have achieved it in contrasting ways.
Whereas Prandelli preaches patience and possession, Conte favours high-tempo, high-intensity. His Juve team were so fast and aggressive, pressing high and going for the throat once the ball had been won.
This approach was evident even in Conte’s first game in charge of Italy, a friendly win against the Netherlands in September. Italy sought to get the ball forward quickly and exploit gaps in a way that they were criticised for not doing enough under Prandelli.
Ciro Immobile opened the scoring inside three minutes following Daniele De Rossi’s lofted pass over the top, before the Azzurri converted a penalty after Simone Zaza was brought down when chasing another quick De Rossi ball behind the Dutch defence.
There are also differences in formation. Conte is devoted to 3-5-2, a configuration synonymous with Italian football likely because of the security it offers in central areas.
Prandelli employed the same system at times, yet he also used a 4-3-3, 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-2-1, demonstrating a flexibility not usually associated with the former Juve coach.
With its reliance on wing-backs to cover the entire flank, there is a feeling that the 3-5-2 is vulnerable to quick switches of play and less suited to the faster pace of the game outside Italy, which gives Conte something to consider ahead of next summer’s European Championship in France.
Juventus’s domestic dominance under their former midfielder perhaps precluded the need for a Plan B, yet the Bianconeri have looked more able to balance the demands of Serie A and Champions League under Max Allegri, who has gradually moved towards a 4-3-1-2 as the season has progressed.
Balo banished
In terms of personnel, there have also been changes under Conte, with Mario Balotelli one player to have been discarded. The striker has struggled to hold down a place in Liverpool’s team this term because his relatively static style is largely considered incompatible with Brendan Rodgers’ high-energy outfit. He faces the same problem at international level too, with Conte demanding commitment, work-rate and pressing.
That is part of the reason why Sassuolo’s Zaza has become such a fixture in the side; his eagerness to close down opposition centre-backs and contribute in the defensive phase of play endearing him to Conte in a way that Balotelli has yet to manage.
Marco Verratti is also expected to play a more prominent role with the Azzurri in the coming years. Now 22, the PSG midfielder showcased his exceptional ability to an English audience at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, and is considered by many Italians to be a player the national team should be built around, even if Conte has repeatedly preached the need for the former Pescara man to be patient.
INTERVIEWVerratti: "Some players my age have a problem, thinking they have arrived before they have"
Palermo’s Franco Vazquez, Sampdoria’s Eder and Napoli’s Manolo Gabbiadini have all also had impressive seasons and are expected to be involved against England, with more seasoned internationals like Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Gianluigi Buffon also likely to play a part. There is a good balance to the side, and Conte’s track record suggests he is the right man to mould everything together productively.
It is still early days for Italy and England as they prepare to face off in the slow build-up to Euro 2016. The pair’s underwhelming group stage exits from the World Cup led to very different managerial outcomes: Prandelli resigned before he was sacked, while Roy Hodgson was given a stay of execution.
Regardless, both sides now have a fresh feel to them. Hodgson has called-up in-form youngsters like Harry Kane and, although he has been in the job for only nine months, Conte has already put his stamp on this Azzurri team. In among the 3-5-2, demands for sacrifice and a high-tempo style, Italians everywhere will be hoping that the three-time scudetto winner has also brought his penchant for success along for the ride.
PSEUDONEWSEngland and Italy both wondering if it’s too late to cancel
featureMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:35:00 +0000Joe Brewin368492 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comItaly coach Conte shaken after threatsItaly coach Antonio Conte is shaken after the president of the Italian Football Federation claimedhe is the target of death threats.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/italy-coach-conte-shaken-after-death-threats-figc-chief
Conte has been caught in a furore involvingformer teamJuventus after club patron John Elkann reportedly blamed the national team coach'sexcessive training for the knee ligament injury sustained byClaudio Marchisio on Friday.
FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio stated that Conte feels he is being unfairly criticised and revealed he has beenthe subject of online death threats.
Speaking to Rai Sport, he said: "I saw him [and he was]shaken.
"After the controversy [with Juventus] hereceived death threats on the internet.
"He feels vilified for responsibilities that are not his fault. The FIGC stands by him."
Conte will be in the dugout when Italy take on Bulgaria in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group H in Sofia on Saturday.
news_articleSat, 28 Mar 2015 12:45:06 +0000367651 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBarzagli supports Contes Italy call-upsAfter Antonio Contes two non-Italy born call-ups created a stir, Andrea Barzagli moved to back his former Juventus boss.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/barzagli-supports-conte-call-ups
Inter coach Roberto Mancini was critical of Conte's inclusion of striker Eder (Sampdoria) and midfielder Franco Vazquez (Palermo), who were born in Brazil and Argentina respectively.
But midfielder Barzagli said the pair were welcome in the Italian setup.
On Monday, Conte referenced the previous selection of Mauro Camoranesi, Cristian Ledesma, Gabriel Paletta, Thiago Motta, Amauri and Romula as all non-Italy born representatives, and Barzagli endorsed his coach's policy to select the best available.
"I wouldn't say foreign [-born] players in the national team are a problem," the Juventus centre-back said.
"They've always been used, there are international rules and if some players are available and are called up for the national team it means that they're doing great in the league and therefore deserve to wear the Azzurri shirt.
"I don't see the point of this controversy: it has always happened and we're definitely not the only national team to do this.
"If they'll help us to do well, they are more than welcome."
Barzagli added he hopes the influx of naturalised Italians can also become prevalent in the country's top flight, to reduce the influence of overseas players.
"I hope that not only the national team but also the Serie A clubs give a chance to young Italian talents," the 50-time international said.
"Sometimes we over-use foreign players that are not real champions while keeping promising Italian players on the bench.
"I'd rather give a chance to young Italian players that can hopefully grow and become champions in the future.
"If they don't deliver and they fail to step up, no big deal. We'll go looking for other talents."
Italy take on Bulgaria in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Sofia on Saturday, before a friendly against England in Turin on Tuesday.
news_articleWed, 25 Mar 2015 00:56:06 +0000366203 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte welcomes naturalised ItaliansItaly coach Antonio Conte was forced to defend his selection of two foreign-born players in his latest international squad.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-welcomes-naturalised-italians
Conte introduced Brazil-born Eder (Sampdoria) and midfielder Franco Vazquez (Palermo), who was born in Argentina, to his squad to face Bulgaria and England.
Critics, such as Inter boss Roberto Mancini, have hit out at the inclusion of players not born on Italian soil, but Conte said it was a sign of the progressive times.
"What I can say - I'm not the first manager and very luckily I won't be the last to select these naturalised players," the former Juventus coach said.
"In the past it already happened that some naturalised players played with the national team.
"Mauro Camoranesi for instance, who was world champion in 2006, or I think of [Cristian] Ledesma, [Gabriel] Paletta, Thiago Motta, Amauri, Romulo.
"Then if we look at the last World Cup for example, of the 736 players that went to the World Cup, 83 of them were naturalised.
"These are the rules and this is football nowadays."
Conte added he did not force either of Eder or Vazquez to wear the Italy shirt, and included them in the squad as he felt they were the best options to bolster the team.
Italy have a Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on Saturday, followed by a friendly against England at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.
"I never forced anybody to play for Italy," Conte said.
"When I went to visit some clubs I didn't talk personally with these players to influence their decisions, I wanted them to feel inside the desire of playing for the Italian national team and most importantly I don't want players choosing to play for Italy only because they wouldn't be selected for the national team of the country where they were born.
"Having said that, Vazquez and Eder are two players who are playing very, very well in this championship.
"I wanted to test them already a month ago when we were supposed to have a session, but it wasn't possible so I decided to call them to see how they fit with the rest of the team.
"I think that they are two players who can add something important to this team."
Conte said it was a message to younger naturalised Italians that they can, too, aim for international honours.
"I think that only the best players should play for the national team, and I believe no player should hope to be selected for the luck of good players," he said.
"This is the message I want to send to young and even younger players.
"The national team is made of the best players, and every player has to show they are one of the best."
news_articleMon, 23 Mar 2015 23:42:14 +0000365762 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comItaly coach Conte calls up Eder and VazquezAntonio Conte has named three uncapped players in his Italy squad for their upcoming matches with Bulgaria and England.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-calls-eder-and-vazquez
With Andrea Pirlo injured, Conte has handed Empoli's Mirko Valdifiori his chance with the national team, while there are also call-ups for Eder and Franco Vazquez.
Sampdoria striker and Brazilian-born Eder has scored eight goals in Serie A this season to help Sinisa Mihajlovic's side challenge for a top-six place, while Vazquez – who was born in Argentina – has netted seven goals from midfield for Palermo.
Conte also welcomes back Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli for the first time since the World Cup, but there is no place for Roma's Daniele De Rossi.
Italy face Bulgaria in Euro 2016 qualifying next Saturday, before welcoming England to Turin for a friendly.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain)
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Emiliano Moretti (Torino), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan)
Midfielders: Luca Antonelli (Milan), Andrea Bertolacci (Genoa), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Alessio Cerci (Milan), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Alessandro Florenzi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina), Roberto Soriano (Sampdoria), Mirko Valdifiori (Empoli), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Martins Eder (Sampdoria), Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli), Ciro Immobile (Borussia Dortmund), Graziano Pelle (Southampton), Franco Vazquez (Palermo), Simone Zaza (Sassuolo)
news_articleSat, 21 Mar 2015 22:38:19 +0000364797 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte calls for greater cooperation from clubsAntonio Conte has reiterated that he will not walk away from his role as Italy head coach, whilecallingfor greater cooperation from domestic teams.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-calls-greater-cooperation
Conte took over from Cesare Prandelli last August having led Juventus to three consecutiveSerie A titles.
Italy have since won five and drawn one of the six matches overseen by Conte, but he was forced to quashspeculationthat he was ready to resign in December.
Rumours that Conte was ready to quit resurfaced recently afterhewas reportedly forced to cancel a team meeting later this month as clubs were unwilling to let their players attend.
However, the 45-year-old intends to stay put until UEFA Euro 2016 at least.
"I'll stay in my post until the European Championships in 2016," he toldLa Repubblica.
"That [resigning] has never been an option, I think I'm a very responsible person, especially in difficult times, and this is one of those times.
"I made an important commitment ...and I intend to respect that.
"I expect greater cooperation from the clubs. To bridge the gap to other nations, I must be able to work as a coach, not just as a selector."
news_articleFri, 06 Feb 2015 10:57:26 +0000338516 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte dismisses Italy resignation rumoursItaly head coach Antonio Conte has dismissed speculation he is to step down from his position after just four months in the job.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-rules-out-resignation
The 45-year-old tookthe reins from Cesare Prandelli in August, having guided Juventus to three successive Scudetti.
In six games under Conte, Italy have won five and drawn one and currently sit joint top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group H alongside Croatia.
Despite that strong start, rumours have been rife that Conte will quit, but the man himself has moved to quash such talk.
"I took on a job with people that enthusiastically wanted me and with the Italy fans," he said.
"This job gives me such a responsibility that although the speculation is part of football, I rule out that eventuality [resigning]."
Conte was speaking following a meeting between himself and the coaches of Serie A clubs, in a bid to build an understanding between those at national and domestic level.
"I hope this meeting will be institutionalised and that we have it at least once a year," Conte said.
"I know what coaches think just as I know what players think, having been a player myself.
"This meeting allows me to create a continuous rapport with coaches and players and, as a consequence, to get some feedback from the clubs.
"Those coaches that were absent [Roma's Rudi Garcia, Inter's Roberto Mancini, Napoli's Rafa Benitez, Cagliari's Zdenek Zeman and Empoli's Fabrizio Sarri]had already notified they would not be available to attend the meeting.
"There has been an agreement for the national team to have a three-day get-together in February, although the clubs will have the final decision."
news_articleTue, 16 Dec 2014 16:10:52 +0000306281 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte wants change in Italy preparationsItaly coach Antonio Conte wants to be allowed more time to prepare with his side in their qualification bid for Euro 2016.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-wants-change-italy-preparations
Italy are unbeaten in Conte's six-game tenure - sitting level on points with Group H leaders Croatia - and rounded off their 2014 fixtures with a narrow 1-0 friendly win over Albania on Tuesday.
A winner from debutant Stefano Okaka ensured victory at theStadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris,butConte was critical of the amount of time he was able to spendwith his players in preparation during his post-match television interviews.
The former Juventus boss had claimed the national team,was not being treated as a priority in the country but went on to suggesthe was only now starting to realise the situation.
"I am asked to do great work and transform the Italy team. So give me the chance. Put me in the conditions to achieve that," Conte explained.
"We have to work to qualify for the Euros and then in that month create a solid side. In a day and a half we prepared against a fine Albania team that had beaten Portugal and drawn with France.
"I am not angry with anyone in particular. I just feel after three months in the job, our third get-together,I am starting to get a clear idea of the situation."
Italy are not back in action until March, when they face Bulgaria, and Conte added his frustration with the lack of appreciation for the national team.
"Everyone says we need to do this, that and the other for Italian football,then I turn round and I am alone," he added.
"When are we going to show some love for the 'Nazionale'? Instead everyone goes: 'Oh he can't play, he has to do this, he has to do that.'
"People ask the players to create a team with determination,organisation,unity andall in eight or nine days.
"And people actually sneer at those eight or nine days."
news_articleWed, 19 Nov 2014 08:46:42 +0000289802 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte happy with effort but not with Italian clubsAntonio Conte is delighted with the progress Italy are making during his tenure following the 1-0 friendly win over Albania on Tuesday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-happy-effort-not-italian-clubs
Just 48 hours after a 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifier draw against Croatia, Italy extended their unbeaten start underContethanks to an 82nd-minute header from substitute Stefano Okaka on debut.
It was far from a convincing performance, with Albania impressing, and they were only denied from taking the lead by the woodwork after Sokol Cikalleshi's fierce 30-yard effort in the 38th minute.
But given the short turnaround, Conte - who is unhappy with the lack of support he is getting from Italian clubs - was content with the performance.
"We've won five of our six games [that Conte has been in charge for] and drew one," Conte told RAI Sport.
"Some might sneer, but my lads want to play and to get into the Nazionale [national team].
"We just have to keep working.
"I very much liked the effort of the lads, as in a day and a half we prepared against an Albania side that played its first choice team.
"We proved that if we want to, we can achieve anything."
Conte expressed his annoyance with Serie A clubs, who he feels are not helping the national team spend time together.
"This requires patience, as it is not a good moment for Italian football, but even then, we won five and drew one," he added.
"We will try to work, to have a few meetings to understand the situation in general.
"I need to work with these lads, as being without them for four months is a problem.
"If the Nazionale comes at the bottom of the pile, then at least let's state that and everyone can take responsibility for that situation."
news_articleTue, 18 Nov 2014 22:38:55 +0000289571 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte warns Balotelli time is running outAntonio Conte has hinted that time is running out for Mario Balotelli to prove his worth to Italys national team.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-warning-balotelli
Italy coach ContenamedBalotelli​ inhis squad for the first time since taking the role in August for games against Albania and Croatia, though the Liverpool man withdrew due to groin and hamstring injuries.
Balotelli has faced criticism after struggling to make an impact since moving to Anfield from the Milan in the close-season, the 24-year-old striker scoring just twice in 14 appearances this term.
Conte previously stated that he would judgeBalotelli purely on his performances for the national team, but he warned the former Inter man that he must start making an impact soon.
"I'm not so arrogant as to claim that I'm different from the great coaches, but the past tells us that they failed to changeBalotelli," he told Rai Sport.
"It'll be up to the player, but I don't have much time and I need certain things."
Conte, who replaced Cesare Prandelli after Italy exited the World Cup at the group stage,also claims he is not happy with the progress of Italian football and believes the time has come to turn demands for improvement into results.
"I am aware that Italian football isn't heading in the right direction," he added. "We must come to terms with this and then turn words into actions."
news_articleTue, 18 Nov 2014 15:30:43 +0000289371 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte pleased with Italy depth after Croatia drawItaly coach Antonio Conte said his sides 1-1 draw with Croatia in Milan was a positive result, as they kept pace with the Group H leaders.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-pleased-italian-depth-after-croatia-stalemate
Goals from Ivan Perisic and Antonio Candrevainside the first 15 minutes at San Siro ensured the spoils in agame that was halted late on by disruptive fans.
Some supportersthrew flares onto the playing surface with little under 20 minutes to play, causing a brief delay.
Conte claimed Niko Kovac's men werebetter prepared for their Euro 2016 qualifier, and was consequently thrilled to stay level with Croatia on 10 points through four games.
"It's a step forward. It wasn't easy and the [Manuel] Pasqual injury didn't help, so we gave [Roberto] Soriano his debut," Conte told Rai Sport.
"Let's say this game against a team that is in better shape, has been together for a long time, with more experience and great quality, was tough.
"This team has the desire to improve and fight for every ball. We can improve, of course, but the hunger is there.
"I also thank the fans for coming to San Siro in such numbers."
Conte had made all three of his substitutions by the 63rd minute, with defender Pasqual, and strikers Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza all making way.
The former Juve boss said his side had to adapt to the changes.
"Due to the injuries we had to make do, so switched to four at the back," he said.
"It's inevitable in the second half we lost our usual reference points and moves, but the lads wanted to bring home a positive result."
The men he brought on, Soriano, Stephan El Shaarawy and Graziano Pelle all impressed, and Conte hailed his side's depth.
"It's important, as we need everyone, from El Sharaawy to Pelle, Soriano and [Andrea] Bertolacci," he said.
"We need these new faces who can bring fresh enthusiasm and desire to the squad."
news_articleSun, 16 Nov 2014 22:52:05 +0000288382 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte: Balotelli injury a groin inflammationItaly coach Antonio Conte denied Mario Balotelli suffered a hamstring strain, after the Liverpool striker left the team camp on Saturday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-balotelli-injury-groin-inflammation-not-hamstring-strain
The Euro 2016 qualifier between the Italians and Croatia is in doubt to go ahead due to wild weather in Milan, with Croatia boss Niko Kovac claiming the San Siro surface is "unplayable".
But assured of not being in action on Sunday is mercurial front man Balotelli, who the Italian Football Association revealed had suffered a "hamstring strain" and "mild groin" pain.
But Conte said Balotelli's injury was more related to his groin than hamstring.
"Balotelli did not suffer a muscle strain but an inflammation of the pubic area," Conte said on Saturday.
"Yesterday and today he has not been able to train, it makes no sense to keep people in the national team who are not in training."
Conte said he had respect for their Group H heavyweights, with both nations coming into the clash with perfect qualifying records through three matches.
"We never feel fear but rather respect for Croatia, the same we felt for Malta and Azerbaijan," the former Juventus boss said.
"We are aware that Croatia are technically very strong and that they are very good in one-on-one situations and that they attack with many players.
"When in possession, we must be good enough to replicate on the pitch the things we have tried in training this week.
"When we are not in possession, we must be good enough not to get caught up in their passing."
While Kovac slammed the San Siro pitch and claimed they would be closer to playing water polo than football on Sunday, Conte simply said he was hopeful of an international-quality surface.
"We all hope that the weather will improve because we are a team that likes to play football on the floor and Croatia likewise," Conte said.
"In order to play some good football we hope that the pitch is in the best condition both for us and for Croatia."
news_articleSun, 16 Nov 2014 01:22:47 +0000287897 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte insists Balotelli just a normal playerItaly coach Antonio Conte insists Mario Balotelli should be treated the same as any other player in his squad.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-balotelli-just-normal-player
Conte called Balotelli upfor the first time since taking the national team job in Augustfor Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia.
Balotelli has struggled for form since moving to Liverpool in the last transfer window and is yet to break his duck for the Merseyside club in the Premier League.
However, Conte will only judge the 24-year-old on how he fares during his time in the international setup.
"I'm worried that people see Balotelli differently to the others,"he told reporters.
"Balotelli is a normal footballer, just like the others, who can also stay on the bench, or in the stands. We don't need to differentiate Balotelli from the others. He's just one of the 23 players.
"Personally, I'm not going to pay attention to talk about the club. People try to exaggerate each situation and I feel sorry for him.
"Today he is here and he has to answer to me. I will judge him by what he does in the next seven to nine days."
Balotelli was criticised in some quarters for his lacklustre showings at the World Cup, where Italy were eliminated at the group stages.
But Conte is intrigued to see if the former Milan forward can adapt to his style of play.
"He has significant experience with the national team, he has played at a World Cup and a European Championship, but that's not enough," he added.
"He needs to catch my eye and I have to see if he can adapt to our type of football. If he can, he can play in the starting line-up, but he can also be on the bench or in the stands.
"My duty is to see how I can use them in this national team."
news_articleMon, 10 Nov 2014 19:03:35 +0000284735 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comConte: There is still much work for Italy to doAntonio Conte insists that Italy still have much work to do to eradicate the memories of their disappointing World Cup campaign.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/conte-there-much-work-italy-do
Conte resigned fromhis role as Juventus coach and subsequently took control of the national team in August, with his Italy tenure startingwith four straight wins and just one goal conceded.
However, the 45-year-old believes that more is required for Italy to be considered among the world's best teams, as the rebuilding process continues following their group-stage exit in Brazil.
"Italy is still reeling from a very disappointing experience that made us aware of the problems of Italian football," he said.
"In this moment we are behind nations that are doing better than us. I think about Germany, Spain - although they didn't do well in the last World Cup, they won many things before.
"I'm thinking about many teams, such as Netherlands, even Belgium and France. However, we know we have time to fill this gap.
"How can we do that? By working hard, with determination, trying to work with intensity, trying to progress under every aspect, tactically and mentally.
"In this moment what is important is we need to qualify for the Euros and we'll try to build something extraordinary and to play our best against anyone."
Conte's next challenge is a Euro 2016 Group H qualifier with Croatia at San Siro a week on Sunday.
Both teams have three wins from three, meaning that at least one 100 per cent winning record will come to an end, and Conte feels the game will act as a measure of the progress Italy have made under his stewardship.
"We are facing a proper team, they've just played a World Cup and they are aware of their strength," he added.
"We are rebuilding, but I am happy about playing this important game because it can give us an indication about where we are in our growth journey."
news_articleThu, 06 Nov 2014 17:37:45 +0000282374 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com